Shinola to donate, install 4 large clocks throughout metro Detroit

Feb. 21, 2014

Shinola, the luxury goods maker that has woven Detroit into its marketing narrative, plans to donate and install four big clocks in conspicuous places throughout the metro area. The first one will go outside Cobo Center before daylight savings time starts March 9, 2014. / Shinola

Shinola's clock harks back to 19th Century designs. / Shinola

Shinola clocks

Shinola, the luxury goods maker that has woven Detroit into its marketing narrative, plans to donate and install four big clocks in conspicuous places throughout the metro area.

The first one is scheduled to go outside Cobo Center before daylight saving time starts March 9.

“We always have heard from many people that the Kern’s clock was a popular meeting spot,” said Jacques Panis, president of Shinola/Detroit LLC. “We hope someday people say, ‘Let’s meet near the Shinola clock.’ ”

Shinola sells elegant wristwatches, bicycles and leather goods.

While the nearly 13-foot tall clocks are intended to be public landmarks, they also will help promote the brand, Panis acknowledged. Shinola, which has stores in Midtown Detroit and New York, is the official timekeeper of the 2014 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

The clocks will have 38-inch-diameter faces and are designed to look like large replicas of the pocket watch Shinola aims to roll out later this year.

It is the second watch in what the company is calling its Great American series, and pays homage to Henry Ford. The first watch design in that series was released last year and was a tribute to the Wright Brothers.

Panis emphasized that the clocks will be American made: They are being manufactured by Electric Time Co. in Medfield, Mass. He declined to disclose the clocks’ cost — or where the other three would go.

Panis said Cobo Center is an appropriate location for the first clock because it is a beautiful site on the riverfront, and a place so many people are familiar with. Initially, it will go at Washington and West Larned.

The clock is being donated to the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority.